Emmys: TVGuide.com's Picks for Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Emmy voting is underway! This week, voters will be checking off names and shows they think are worthy of getting a nomination come July 10. We at TVGuide.com have a few selections in mind ourselves. Next up: our dream ballot for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

Emmys: TVGuide.com's picks for lead actress in a drama seriesBryan Cranston, Breaking BadThe three-time champ closed out the drama's run with yet another towering turn as Walt watched his empire and life crumble before finally saying those five little words: "I did it for me." Cranston's tour-de-force in "Ozymandias" appeared to have locked up a fourth trophy — which would tie him with Dennis Franz for most wins in the category — until... (see below)

Jon Hamm, Mad MenThe Emmys are running out of time to reward Hamm, who continued to bring the goods and a bittersweet, honest intimacy to Don as the adman actually grew for once. Hamm will be eligible next year for the remainder of Season 7, but if he loses this year, he'd become the category's biggest loser at 0-7 (he's currently tied with Martin Sheen, Hugh Laurie and Michael C. Hall).

Matthew McConaughey, True DetectiveHBO created what can only be described as a clusterf--- when it submitted True Detective in drama instead of miniseries, where it was certain to dominate (good news for Fargo though!). But McConaughey, fresh off his Oscar victory, is a favorite to win anywhere for his turn as haunting and haunted nihilistic philosopher Rust Cohle. If he triumphs, he'd be the fourth person and first male to win an Oscar and an Emmy in the same calendar year after Liza Minnelli, Helen Hunt and Helen Mirren.Mads Mikkelsen, HannibalThere's taking a famous character and making it your own, and then there's making it so much your own that it becomes the new standard. Mikkelsen, who entered in the supporting race last year, is hypnotic in portraying Hannibal's quiet yet radiating menace and cunning yet alluring charm that's deliciously evil in a way Anthony Hopkins' cannibal never was.

Matthew Rhys, The AmericansAs is the case with many contenders, the hardest part for Rhys is making the cut. If he does, he's got a showcase submission in "Martial Eagle," in which the normally internalized Philip suffers a crisis of conscience. The unease, the guilt, the reconciliation, the vengeful, Bible-destroying outburst at Paige — Rhys was the embodiment of full-bodied inner turmoil. Michael Sheen, Masters of SexDr. Bill Masters isn't what you'd call flashy. He's repressed, detached and tightly wound. That Sheen so vividly captures those controlled neuroses with at times nary a word speaks to his talents. It also makes it all the more powerful when Masters does have that emotional release (see: his heartbreaking reaction to Libby's miscarriage).Who would you nominate?